By Lara Fominoff @LaraFominoff on Twitter

WATCH: New Owl Amphitheatre unveiled at Birds of Prey Centre

Jun 19, 2018 | 3:19 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Children at the new Owl Amphitheatre ‘ooohed’ and ‘aaahhed’ while two baby owls that looked like giant grey puff balls, with huge anime eyes and razor-sharp claws were brought out for them to view and gently pet Tuesday afternoon.

The Birds of Prey Centre in Coaldale, the largest facility of its kind in Canada, is now home to a special Owl Amphitheatre, designed to protect the birds.

Fortis Alberta donated $50,000 to help with the $225,000 cost of the structure. Colin Weir who manages the centre, says it’s another great leap in the quality of programming the centre can offer the 20,000 visitors they hope to attract this summer. He calls it a sort of “parasol” for owls.

“It gives us a little more all-weather protection so that we can do programs regardless if it’s raining or if it’s really, really hot outside. Here we’re going to specialize in programs, just about owls, and even though it may be a very nice day, owls are very heat sensitive. They don’t like being out in the hot sun.”

Education about birds of prey in southern Alberta is important, says Weir, especially when many of the children who visit the centre live in rural areas.

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“There’s a lot of interaction that goes on and we have a lot of habitat stewardship responsibility for these creatures. And a lot of these kids live on farms and ranches, so the future wildlife often depends on the knowledge and the interest and the sensitivity of land owners, which these kids are going to be in another 15 or 20 years.”

Amphitheatre Designer Leisha Parker, with Alvin Fritz Architects says they met with Weir several times to come up with a plan. Construction was completed in late 2017, with the final touches put on it this spring.

“They wanted it to have good shade, as well as seating for all the school kids who come, and any groups who come.”

Todd Dettling with Fortis Alberta, says the Birds of Prey Centre is in the heart of their service area, so it was important to the company to help educate people about owls.

“Our goal is to educate children in power line safety, and this is just an extension of education for children in the community.”

The centre is open to the public from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., seven days a week, until the September long weekend.